Louis IX

I had looked over material on the Crusade of St. Louis and was interested the life of Louis IX. I read over an article on Louis IX early life: http://www.questia.com/library/encyclopedia/louis_ix_king_of_france.jsp. The kingdom of France was inherited by Louis IX at a young age after his father, Louis VIII, died. France was actually ruled by Louis IX's mother, Blanche of Castille, while he was learning how to rule his country. Blanche was a chief adviser of Louis IX until her death. Duke Peter I of Brittany, Duke Raymond VII of Toulouse, and King Henry VIII of England began several revolts in Louis' early years as King but were quickly suppressed by Blanche. Louis took the cross in 1244 and led his crusade into Egypt in 1248 only be captured two years later. He was ransomed and immediately traveled to the Latin colonies to promote organization and strong fortification. Louis returned to France an continued to rule until he was canonized in 1297. Under Louis' rule, France reached a high level of peace, prosperity, and organization through excellent diplomacy and administration.